According to AUTOCAR, the Porsche 911 Dakar might make a comeback equipped with hybrid power, further enhancing its on-road and off-road capabilities. Sources say that an improved version is currently in development at the Weissach engineering center and is expected to debut as a facelifted model of the 992-series 911.

A Porsche spokesperson declined to comment on product rumors but it is said the announcement could come by the end of 2025. As before, the production volume is expected to remain limited. For reference, the previous generation was a limited run of just 2,500 units, with production ending in November 2024.

What About the 911 Dakar’s Powertrain?

The new 911 Dakar will adopt the same rugged, lifted design as its predecessor and will be equipped with Porsche’s innovative new T-Hybrid powerplant, already used in the facelifted 911 GTS.

This system combines a turbocharged 3.6-liter flat-six engine producing 485 PS with a gearbox-mounted electric motor that adds 40 kW and up to 150 Nm of torque. It also uses thermal energy transfer technology developed for Porsche’s Le Mans-winning 919 race car to recharge a 1.9 kWh battery.

In the 911 GTS, the T-Hybrid system produces a total of 541 PS. For comparison, the previous 911 Dakar’s turbocharged 3.0-liter flat-six engine—shared with the earlier GTS—made 480 PS. Thanks to hybridization, the new Dakar is expected to deliver a significant performance boost over its predecessor.

Electrification should also improve fuel efficiency. For example, the combined fuel economy of the 911 GTS is around 10.9–11.4 km/L.

Other Details

Other specifics remain unknown, but like the original 911 Dakar, the new model is expected to be offered exclusively with an 8-speed dual-clutch gearbox and all-wheel drive. Porsche is also reportedly developing new paint schemes and other options for the new model through its Sonderwunsch (Special Wish) customization program.

As for pricing, the new model is expected to exceed the previous generation’s £173,000 (about 33 million yen) price tag. Porsche enthusiasts may find this a challenging figure to digest.

About the Porsche 911 Dakar

The Porsche 911 Dakar was introduced in 2022 to commemorate Porsche’s victory at the 1984 Paris-Dakar Rally. Based on the 911 Carrera 4S, it features a raised ride height, off-road tires, and various dedicated equipment to enhance its off-road capability. Its rarity—limited to just 2,500 units worldwide—has drawn attention from Porsche owners around the globe since its launch.

My younger brother also purchased one and still treasures it today. Personally, I consider it one of the finest 992 models.

If these reports prove true, the 911 Dakar will evolve further with hybrid technology.

However, if the new 911 Dakar is announced, the price will be a major point of interest. The previous model was already priced above 30 million yen, and with hybridization, the new model is likely to be even more expensive.

In any case, the Porsche 911 Dakar’s developments are not to be missed. We look forward to more information in the future.